THE EFFECTS OF SEAT BELT STYLE AND SEAT RECLINE ON THE PRESSURE APPLIED BY THE SEAT BELT ON THE HUMAN BODY
This research aimed to examine how different seat belt styles—lap belt, three-point, and four-point—and seat recline affect the pressure applied by the belt on the body. This was done by placing blocks of clay between the seat belt and the mannequin at three locations (shoulder, abdomen, and pelvis), and then tightening the belt onto the mannequin. The magnitudes of the clay depression (representing the pressure) for six combinations of style and recline were compared using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. The data was analyzed in the shoulder, abdomen, and pelvis categories; in all three tests, there was overwhelming evidence of a statistical difference. In the shoulder category, the shoulder belt and reclined seat trials resulted in the lowest clay depression. In the abdomen category, the double shoulder belt and reclined seat trials resulted in the lowest clay depression. In the pelvis category, the lap belt and reclined seat trials resulted in the lowest clay depression. This research is relevant because it is important to minimize all aspects of potential injury in automobile accidents, including the injuries caused by seat belts. The ideal seat belt would therefore protect the person successfully, and with the least damage to the human body.
Research Done By:
Corinne Green
Lakeview High School
Karen Stabile
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools